Helping A Child Cope With A Loss Of A Pet

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Losing a pet is hard on the whole family, no matter the circumstances. Children are often especially burdened by the loss of a pet as death is hard for them to understand. This type of a loss can be one of the most traumatic events in a child’s life. Make sure to take the proper precautions and to allow your child a safe space to work through their grief.

What Not to Do:

    Related:Dealing With The Death Of Your Dog

    The Grieving Process

    One of the first things you can do following a loss is to consider having a memorial service. A funeral can allow family members to express their feelings, and assist in closure. While this may not be appropriate for every family, it can be very beneficial for healing, and something to consider for your child.

    When it comes to your child, always allow the child to feel their emotions. Allow them to be angry, sad, hurt, or scared. Emphasize to them that having these emotions is normal, and it’s okay to feel them. While you may want to distract them from these feelings, the only way for them to heal is to acknowledge the pain first.

    The death of a pet can bring a lot of scary thoughts into a young ones life; they may also worry about you, or other friends or family members dying, discuss these fears with your child, so that they aren’t left to wonder. Make sure to also let the child know that it wasn’t their fault. Children oftentimes blame themselves or other family members for the death, which is an unhealthy behavior.

    Related:Top 5 Things NOT To Say When a Friend’s Pet Dies

    As your child is grieving, they will also be following your lead. They will be looking at you to see how you are handling the loss. Take note of that, if you are manic or depressed, a child will act similarly. Allow your child to see you grieve, but also exercise a certain amount of decency if you are heavily affected by the loss.

    How to Help

    Allow your child a listening ear; let them know you are there if they would like to talk about the pet, or the situation. If your children are older, encourage them to talk to their friends too, to see if they have friends in similar situations that can emphasize with the loss.

    Encourage your children to still go outside, play, and maintain a semi-normal life. Don’t allow a child to sit in his room all day and sulk, as this is an unhealthy behavior. Encourage your child to write, draw, or create a memo about your pet. If you have pictures of your pet, allow your child to keep them to remember the pet by.

    No matter the age of family member or pet, the loss of a pet isn’t easy for anyone involved. Make sure to be sensitive to your child’s needs, and allow your family time to grieve the loss before considering adopting a new animal, and always make sure to keep a piece of the old pet in your heart.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Best Elevated Dog Bowls

    Elevated dog bowls ensure that your pet eats at a healthy pace and can prevent bloating and a myriad of other digestive problems.
    Mustang Horse

    Known as ""The Symbol of the American West,"" the Mustang Horse is even tempered, so they can be used for endurance and pleasure riding.
    7 Ways To Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean

    We love it when our doggos have that pearly white smile, don’t we? It means that their teeth and gums are in good shape and that’s a good indicat…
    Alaska Rabbit

    The Alaska Rabbit is known for being good-tempered and docile. The fur of the Alaska Rabbit is lustrous and silky, with a glossy sheen.
    The Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

    A natural alternative for fleas, ticks and other pests and parasites, diatomaceous earth for dogs is a safe and chemical-free treatment for your pooch.
    Bedlington Terrier

    If you saw this dog, you may do a double take. Was that a lamb or a dog? The Bedlington Terrier is most certainly a dog, even if it''s unusual looking.
    How Do You Give an Uncooperative Cat a Pill?

    How exactly do you go about giving an uncooperative cat a pill? You can’t just avoid it altogether – it has to be done one way or the other. Read on to find out how to do it without ending up covered in scratches!
    Best CBD Treats

    Whether you need help with a pet that has separation anxiety issues, want to relax your pet before taking them to a vet or a groomer, make your oldtimer pooch walk with a spring in their step again, or simply want to treat your dog to a healthy snack rich
    Reasons Why You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

    You’re doing more than helping to control the pet population You’ve probably heard people, especially animal rescuers and shelter workers, talk a…
    Plus-Sized Fashions For Large Breed Dogs

    If you can''t bark with the big dogs, get off the runway. Dog fashion isn''t just for petite Poodles - large dog breeds can play dress up, too!
    American Pitbull Terrier

    The American Pitbull Terrier often gets a bad rap for being an aggressive breed. In reality, this dog is a friendly, gentle-hearted breed you''ve met.
    Best Travel Essentials

    Is 2017 the year you''re hitting the road with your pets? Be sure you pack these travel essentials in your suitcase to ensure your vacation stays paw-sitive.
    Bruno Jura Hound

    Though you may not have heard of him, the Bruno Jura Hound has ancient origins. Developed during the Middle Ages, this breed remains a talented hunter.
    POPCats Brings Catitude to Miami This October

    Cool cat art that celebrates pop culture and raises awareness for cat welfare--POPCats is debuting in October, and sure to attract all the coolest kittehs!
    Peruvian Inca Orchid

    The Peruvian Inca Orchid, or Peruvian Hairless Dog, is one of the weirdest looking dog breeds in the world. It is also the country''s national dog.